KNX offers two licensing options for ETS6: Cloud-Based and Dongle-Based. Both models offer distinct advantages depending on your working environment — understanding the differences will help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
How Licensing Works:
In the shop, licenses are provided by default as cloud-based. If preferred, you can add a USB dongle to your order (+€80) to enable dongle-based activation at a later stage.
- The final license type (cloud or dongle) is only determined at activation, after the order is complete.
- However, if you plan to use a dongle, it must be added during the order process.
- After purchase, the license can be activated in the cloud or — if a dongle was ordered — on the dongle once it has been delivered.
- All KNX licenses are a one-time purchase, with no subscription or ongoing maintenance fees.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Cloud-Based License | Dongle-Based License |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Requirement | Requires a stable, continuous internet connection | No internet needed once the dongle is activated |
| Simultaneous Use | Cannot be used simultaneously on multiple devices | N/A (tied to physical dongle) |
| Switching License Type | Can switch to dongle, but cannot switch back to cloud | Cannot be converted back to a cloud license once activated, as the license is physically stored on the dongle |
| Switching Devices | Easy — log out and log in on a different PC | Move the dongle between PCs to switch devices |
| Device Flexibility | Usable on any PC where ETS6 is installed with your MyKNX | Usable on any PC where ETS6 is installed, but requires the dongle to be plugged in |
| Cost | Included in the base license price | Additional €80 (one-time), plus shipping |
Cloud-based license activation (Default)
- Activated and used via your MyKNX account; log in from any computer with your MyKNX credentials (each login verified by the KNX cloud)
- Requires a stable and permanent internet connection
- Accessible from any computer by connecting to ETS6 with your MyKNX credentials
- Cannot be used simultaneously on multiple devices
- No USB dongle needed
- Can be converted to a dongle-activation at any time
Dongle-based license activation (Optional +€80)
- Provides fully offline access to ETS6 via a USB hardware dongle
- Once activated, the license is stored physically on the dongle; no internet connection is needed.
- The dongle can be used on different PCs by plugging it in — as long as ETS6 is already installed on that PC
-
⚠️ Cannot be converted back to cloud activation once the license is activated on a dongle.
If you need both cloud and dongle access, you'll need to purchase two separate licenses.
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Install & activate the ETS6 license by following these instructions:
ETS Software Installation
ETS6 License Activation